Geordie is a dialect spoken in Newcastle, Northern England (just 3-hours from London) and if you’re heading up there anytime soon, you may want to learn a few Geordie sayings before you go.
But first, a little history lesson.
In case you’ve never heard it, the Geordie accent sounds more musical than your stock-standard British accent, and is rather lively, friendly and endearing.
Interestingly, the dialect actually traces its origins back to ancient Germanic and Scandinavian languages, and this explains why you may not recognise some of the words used between a couple of Geordies in conversation.
So no: they don’t just talk fast, or have a weird accent. In a very real sense, they are actually speaking a different dialect of English.
With that out of the way, let’s learn a few Geordie expressions, aye? (translation: yes)
Sand shoes – translation: gym shoes or runners.
Usage: “Someone’s twocked (stolen) me sand shoes, man!”
Apart from the obvious gym or sports tracks, you’re most likely to hear “sand shoes” at one of Newcastle’s many outdoor attractions, such as Jesmond Dene Park and Belsay Hall and Gardens.
If you’re keen to check out a Newcastle United F.C Premier match at St James’s Park, you may also hear the term amongst some of the punters at the stadium.
It’s also possible you might hear it at the World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall – a Roman defensive fortification dating back to 122 AD.
Scran or bait – translation: food.
Usage: “Where’s me bait, hunny?”
House of Tides is Newcastle’s only Michelin star restaurant, owned by chef Kenny Atkinson, and it’s here that you might overhear “scran” or “bait” from the table next to yours.
You’re also likely to hear the word “clamming” which means to be hungry.
Serving amazing food utilising only the freshest ingredients (dependent on the seasons), it’s no surprise that this Newcastle institution made it into the top 100 restaurants in the UK in 2015.
You may also hear the words in Yorkshire when you’re lining up for a sumptuous Yorkshire pudding, or when over in Liverpool, home to a rich and diverse culinary scene just 3-hours from London; that’s if you happen to pass a group of Geordies waiting outside Panoramic 34 – one of Britain’s highest and most well-known revolving restaurants.
Netty – translation: powder room.
Usage: “Where’s ya netty, mate? I’m busting.”
You’re likely to come across this word when waiting in line at the toilets at two of the best museums in Newcastle: the Great North Museum, housing an impressive collection of artefacts – ranging from dinosaur bones, Roman altar stones and Egyptian mummies; and the Discovery Museum, an institution dedicated to the city’s rich history.
If you’re combining Manchester in your Northern England itinerary, which you very well should do (it’s just over 2-hours from London), then you might also hear someone asking for the “netty” whilst you’re appreciating the works of the esteemed British artist LS Lowry at The Lowry, or at the majestic Royal Exchange Theatre, where you’ll be able to see world-class theatrical performances and hear inspiring poetry readings.
Scratcha – translation: bed.
Usage: “I’ve had enough. Where’s me scratcha?”
You might very well hear the word “scratcha” whilst having the pleasure at staying at one of the numerous world-class hotels in Newcastle, such as the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead (situated between the famous Tyne and Swing Bridges which link Newcastle and Gateshead Quayside), Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter, or the Vermont Hotel.
If a couple of Geordies are staying at the same hotel as you in Yorkshire, such as at the The Grange Hotel in York or the Wortley Hall B&B in Sheffield, then you might hear it here too. They’ll most probably be in town to check out the Bronte Parsonage Museum like you.
Paggered – translation: exhausted or extremely tired.
Usage: “I’m paggered thinking up usages for these Geordie sayings.”
Exploring the historic Castle Keep, built on the site of an 11th century wooden castle, and walking across the iconic Tyne Bridge (built by the same folk behind the Sydney Harbour Bridge), is apt to make you and other Geordies tired; in which case you’re likely to hear the word “paggered” come up again and again.
You may also hear the word from a group of Geordie cyclists who have donned their lycra and embarked on the Coast to Coast (C2C) cycling route in Sunderland (just over 3-hours from London).
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So do you feel you know how to speak Geordie now?
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